Macomb costs out taking back lake management

The city has a backup plan to party like it's 1999 as far as Spring Lake Park is concerned. That was the last year that Macomb had direct management of the park.

Though he called it a "last ditch" option, City Administrator Dean Torreson gave aldermen a plan Monday that would create a new city department that would integrate Spring Lake management with two existing service areas. He said rough figures indicate that plan would save at least $30,000 over renewing a management agreement with the Macomb Park District.

Aldermen agreed to have Torreson distribute a request for proposals aimed at getting offers for the park's management. Proposals are due October 10.

Mayor Mike Inman said the RFP is necessary.

"The city needs to see what options exist on the open market," he said.

But the mayor said he also sees potential in city operation of the park.

"This kills several birds with one stone," he said, noting that Torreson's proposal would combine park management with the Oakwood Cemetery and citywide mowing operation as well as absorb maintenance functions for all city buildings.

"We've got a pretty good equipment base with our items at the cemetery," Torreson said.

What he called his "ballpark" figures for a new department totaled $402,000, compared to $432,500 necessary if a park district management fee of $125,000 was included.

Separate from the annual cost estimate, Torreson said about $20,000 should be spent to rebuild and remodel the former manager's residence at Spring Lake. He said nothing had been done to the building for 15 years and that it could be preserved as a city asset with some repairs.

The city administrator said the building would be ideal for a facility manager or "a husband and wife team." Torreson said that would apply whether the city hired a contract manager or managed the lake area itself.

Alderman Clay Hinderliter said proposals received might suggest a "hybrid" plan combining on-site management with the city resources Torreson listed.

Alderman Dave Dorsett asked what the long-range salary and benefits implications might be if a Macomb Building and Grounds Department were to be created.

Torreson said his proposal includes only one additional full-time city employee. Others listed would be part-time or seasonal workers, with annual pay totaling $137,000 and no benefits, and a contract employee at the Spring Lake Campground paid a $25,000 fee.

In other business at Monday's city council committee of the whole session, Mayor Inman announced that the city would have a coffee and doughnuts session Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon to celebrate the retirement of Sewer Plant Manager Darryl Phillips. He also noted that Monday's meeting was the last for Sarah Wallick, Macomb's downtown development coordinator. Wallick has accepted a job in Lincoln as director of the Logan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.